UGOCHUKWU ANTHONY OGAKWU, J.C.A. (Delivering the Lead Judgment): The Appellant was one of three accused persons who were arraigned before the High Court of Gombe State in CHARGE NO. GM/99C/2020: THE STATE vs. MOHAMMED UMAR ALIAS APAPA & ORS. on a five-count charge of criminal conspiracy, criminal house trespass, abduction, rape, and gross indecency, contrary to and punishable under various Sections of the Penal Code. The Appellant, who was the 2nd accused person at the lower Court, was charged alone on the count of gross indecency. The lower Court convicted the Appellant as charged, and custodial sentences and payment of fine were imposed on him for the offences. The Appellant was dissatisfied with the decision of the lower Court, and pursuant to an order for extension of time granted by this Court on 16th January 2025, he filed his Notice of Appeal on 17th January 2025. The judgment of the lower Court, which was delivered on 31st March 2022 is at pages 118-162 of the Records of Appea…